Staff Notes Daily Announcements

Abstract:This talk explores how convection initiates and grows with emphasis on the role of the land surface. There are two processes that will be specifically outlined, the effects of surface energy partitioning on convective initiation and the impact of land use/land cover change on convection. This will be viewed through the lens of three levels of model complexity: 1) single-column models, 2) large-eddy simulations and mesoscale models, and 3) Earth Systems Models. The shortcomings and advantages of each technique will be discussed. Beyond the particular shortcomings this talk will attempt to map what is actually being represented in terms of physical processes for each modeling strategy. Using the single column approach I will show how convective onset time shifts given drier and wetter than normal surface conditions. Unlike typical single-column studies the effects of synoptic scale vertical velocity will also be considered. A strategy for including moving clouds produced by local initiation will also be discussed.

These new acquisitions will be displayed at each NCAR Library location for one week, first at FL Library and then at ML Library. If you have questions regarding the items or want to suggest additions to the library collection, please contact the NCAR Library at ncarref@ucar.edu or ext. 8505.

Mark your calendars for UCAR's 2017 Free Onsite Seasonal Flu Vaccination Clinics, offered through Passport Health. This event is open to UCAR employees, their spouses/partners and dependent (adult) children 18-26 years of age and retirees. For dependent children under 18 years of age, please consult their healthcare provider(s) for these services.

Seasonal flu vaccinations are free to eligible participants. For questions on whether the vaccine is appropriate for you or a family member, please contact your healthcare provider. Please note that Flumist is not available for the 2017-2018 flu season.The traditional trivalent flu vaccine will be available onsite this year.It offers protection against three flu viruses that are expected to circulate throughout the flu season.

Vouchers: Eligible participants who cannot attend any of the on-site clinics can schedule an appointment for the seasonal flu vaccination at any of the Passport Health Facilities listed below. UCAR employees visiting the Boulder Passport Health location must show their employee ID/access card.No voucher is needed for the Boulder Passport Health location. Vouchers are required for all other eligible participants and for everyone visiting any other Passport Health location listed below. Vouchers are ONLY valid at these select Passport Health locations and can be redeemed any time between October 1 - December 31, 2017 (or while supplies last). For more information or to request a voucher, contact Laurie Carr, x8702.

Please visit this link to view other available Passport Health facilities.

If there is not a scheduled event in your area OR you miss the scheduled Flu Shot Event in your location and there is no local Passport Health location, flu vaccines are available through all UCAR health insurance plans as preventive care and paid at 100%.

This event is offered as a service and participation is voluntary. UCAR does not endorse or recommend any product or service associated with this event.

Procurement staff have been working with labs/programs to transition the Non-Encumbered Blanket Purchase Orders (NBPOs). This transition will be complete by September 30.

As part of that transition, pricing agreements have been set up with the approved printers including Eight Days a Week, Colt Print Services, and FedEx Office.

Instructions on how to purchase from these approved printers can be found on the Contracts website under Procurement / Commodities / Printing Services at: https://www2.fin.ucar.edu/contracts/printing-services. You will need to login with your UCAS password to access this page.

Please join SciEd as we say farewell to Teri Eastburn after almost 16 years of dedicated service to UCAR and NCAR in education and outreach. Most recently, Teri led the development of UCARConnect. Prior to that, Teri led our school and public programs from the Mesa Lab for many years. We hope to see you in the Mesa Lab Damon Room on Wednesday, September 27, from 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. as we thank Teri for sharing the wonder of science with the public.

Check at the top of the page for any results already entered for your name to make sure you aren't double entering

If it is an ongoing activity be sure to check the dates and update the information that changed by clicking on Edit.

Please work with your team to enter your FY 2017 (Oct 1, 2016 - Sept 30, 2017) metrics into the Metrics Database (https://www.ncar.ucar.edu/apps/metrics) by Friday, Oct. 27. This will ensure that your Staff Directory metrics and individual Activity Reports are current and our year-end reporting to NSF is accurate.

Need help? Check out the Learn in a Minute Videos - The Metrics Database Series

Click on the link to Videos in the navigation near the top of the page in the database or go directly to the video by clicking on the title below:

The Mesa Lab semi-annual building maintenance shutdown is scheduled for Saturday, 14 October from 6:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. During this time the Mesa Lab and Fleischmann Buildings will experience intermittent electrical, heating, and air conditioning interruptions, some for extended periods.

Access to the Mesa Lab will be restricted to authorized employees, and there will be no public access to the building. Visitors may still use the trails around the building.

CISL will be releasing information regarding the impact of the Mesa Lab Data Center portion of the shutdown in the near future as details become available.

We know that it can be a hassle to bring your bike into the shop for a tune-up, so we're bringing the mechanic to you! Sign up here to get your bike tuned right outside your office on Wednesday, October 4th.

We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge all the hard work put in by the Concur Coaches. These 25 Individuals went to all the training sessions, helped the development team work out bugs and were the front line during the rollout of the new system. The adoption of the new travel system would not have been successful without their time, dedication and commitment to their fellow peers. Please take a moment and recognize your Concur Coaches for their fabulous job! The Coaches are: